On ‘aristocratic’ dignity
| Date | 01 July 2020 |
| Published date | 01 July 2020 |
| DOI | 10.1177/1474885119889222 |
| Author | Adam Etinson |
| Subject Matter | Symposium on Andrea Sangiovanni's Humanity without Dignity |
Symposium on Andrea Sangiovanni’s Humanity without Dignity EJPT
On ‘aristocratic’ dignity
Adam Etinson
University of St Andrews, UK
Abstract
In his recent book, Andrea Sangiovanni raises various objections against what he
calls the ‘aristocratic’ conception of dignity – the idea that dignity represents a kind
of high-ranking social status. In this short article, I suggest that Sangiovanni gives
the aristocrats less credit than they deserve. Not only do his objections target an
uncharitably narrow version of the view: Sangiovanni surreptitiously incorporates
aspects of the aristocratic conception of dignity into his own (supposedly non-
dignitarian) theory of moral equality.
Keywords
Human dignity, humiliation, moral equality, political philosophy, social status
Introduction
Andrea Sangiovanni is on a rescue mission. He wants to save us from the conun-
drums of human dignity. Humanity without dignity, he proclaims – though not, of
course, as an endorsement of human depravity. On the contrary, in his new book,
Sangiovanni makes a compelling case for several of modernity’s defining moral
ideas: ideas of moral equality, non-discrimination and human rights. It is just that
none of these ideas, he argues, is best understood as grounded in human dignity.
Time is up on this all-too-common presumption. Instead of lapsing into tenuous
abstractions about dignity, we are better off grounding a commitment to moral
equality, respectful treatment and human rights in tangible facts about our vulner-
abilities as sociable beings. This is the book’s central thesis.
Humanity without Dignity is a remarkable achievement. Written in lucid prose,
it is philosophically deep, novel, learned and illustrated with memorable examples.
Corresponding author:
Adam Etinson, University of St Andrews, Edgecliffe, The Scores, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AL, UK.
Email: ae45@st-andrews.ac.uk
European Journal of Political Theory
2020, Vol. 19(3) 399–407
!The Author(s) 2019
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DOI: 10.1177/1474885119889222
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